Springtime is officially here, and you know what that means: it’s time to brush up on how to style a floral dress. Like the botanicals they embody, floral prints pop up like clockwork every single spring. The perennial patterns never fail because when you get the styling down, they can be adapted for pretty much any occasion — from morning meetings to backyard weddings.
Whether your season’s calendar is packed with nonstop work events or parties and weddings, I can guarantee you’ll be reaching for your favourite floral dress again and again. For the office, style it with a blazer and knee-high boots; on vacation, mix in additional prints to channel playful, beachy style. And for spring or summer brides, I recommend styling your number with pearly accents and a pretty veil for pre-nuptial events.
Ahead, you’ll see just how essential the floral dress is to a well-rounded wardrobe. Here are five expert ways to style a floral dress for every occasion on your calendar.
Flip-flops? Never heard of her.
.jpg)
For a birthday or bridal shower
Florals may dominate wedding decor, but when it comes to bridal wardrobes, the prints are severely undervalued. Instead of draping yourself in lace (which can feel a bit overdone), try a flowy white gown with a delicate floral pattern for events like showers, parties, and rehearsal dinners. A smattering of pearlescent accessories will make the look feel romantic and all the more bridal. Plus, even without a wedding on the horizon, this dainty ensemble works well for birthday parties and dressed-up meals.
For work or city days
Even your most risqué spring dresses can become work-appropriate – all it takes is a few well-placed layers and accessories. A structured jacket and boots will do the trick on chillier days; if you’re looking for added edge, try a military-inspired look. For a bit more polish, reach for a classic oversized blazer. This ensemble also doubles as an elevated weekend outfit for running around in style.
On a warm-weather vacation
What’s my favourite vacation styling hack? Print mixing. An animal print can be layered with pretty much any pattern or colour story for a bit of eclectic flair. The mix of summer brights and playful patterns gives the vibe of a tropical getaway – no plane ticket necessary. Finish the look with retro sunnies and walking-friendly heels that’ll take you from shopping to poolside drinks.
For a dressy party
Whether the invite is for afternoon tea, a cookout, a cocktail party or a graduation, a good floral dress will always ace the dress code. They're really that versatile: it's just about how you accessorise the dress. In this case, the accessories should probably be girly and dainty to accentuate the elegant vibe. You can match your accessories to your dress or opt for a complimentary colour–luckily metallic and chrome shades like silver and gold go with pretty much everything under the sun.
For casual weekend gatherings
When your calendar says “spring” but your thermostat says “winter,” reach for unexpected layers in vivid hues. Lightweight floral print dresses can be worn under (or over) a collared shirt in a contrasting hue for some joyful juxtaposition. Add a silk scarf at the neck for even more warmth, and reach for trendy satin sneakers to give your ensemble some polish. Pastel shades are particularly on-trend, and they're also quite easy to style: you can't really go wrong matching two pastel colours together.
A version of this article was originally published on Glamour US.
.jpg)
